American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Omalizumab is particularly effective in which patients with asthma?

1. Patients with normal IgE levels

2. Patients with allergies to food allergens

3. Patients inadequately controlled with inhaled glucocorticoids

4. Patients with a history of severe respiratory infections

The correct answer is: Patients inadequately controlled with inhaled glucocorticoids

Omalizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets immunoglobulin E (IgE) and is specifically designed for patients with moderate to severe asthma that is not adequately controlled with standard therapy, particularly inhaled glucocorticoids. This medication is intended for individuals with persistent asthma who also have elevated IgE levels and are sensitized to common allergens, which underscores its role in managing asthma that is not responsive to conventional treatment options. Patients inadequately controlled with inhaled glucocorticoids often experience persistent asthma symptoms or frequent exacerbations, and the addition of omalizumab can help reduce these symptoms and improve overall asthma control. It plays a crucial role in the management of asthma by decreasing the frequency of exacerbations and the need for rescue medications, thereby allowing for better quality of life and asthma management. The other options do not align with the specific requirements for omalizumab use. While normal IgE levels suggest that omalizumab may not be beneficial, food allergies may not always correlate with asthma control, and a history of severe respiratory infections does not directly relate to the effectiveness of omalizumab in managing asthma symptoms. Therefore, patients inadequately controlled with inhaled glucocorticoids represent the primary group